Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-02-24 16:18:46
President Cyril Ramaphosa made a bold gesture to supporters during his address at the African National Congress (ANC) election manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on February 24, 2024. The event showcased the ANC’s strength but fell short in offering new proposals to voters.
The manifesto presented by President Ramaphosa focused on six key areas of focus for the next five years. However, the 58-page document lacked specifics on how the ANC planned to address crucial issues such as job creation, industrialization, cost of living, investment in people, democracy defense, and global relations.
One notable commitment in the manifesto was the integration of its policies into government spending and resource allocation for the next five years. The ANC pledged to hold ministers accountable based on their performance in implementing key areas of the manifesto. This approach aimed to ensure the manifesto’s objectives were integrated into existing government systems.
The manifesto highlighted the ANC’s achievements over the past 30 years since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994. It also emphasized the progress made in the past five years under the leadership of President Ramaphosa. The document reflected on advancements in housing, education, social welfare, and basic services.
While the manifesto did not make extravagant promises, it focused on inviting voters to support the ANC for another five years to complete the ongoing projects and initiatives. The document set a modest target of creating and sustaining 2.5 million work opportunities over the next five years. This goal was less ambitious than previous election promises but aimed to address the urgent need for employment in South Africa.
The ANC recognized the challenges faced by the country, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, load shedding, political conflicts, state capture, and the July 2021 unrest. The manifesto described South Africa as being at a crossroads, emphasizing the need for transformative measures to drive industrialization, employment, and empowerment by 2030.
In terms of economic policies, the manifesto outlined plans to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives to create job opportunities. It also proposed initiatives to promote South African industries through infrastructure investments, energy solutions, and strategic industry protection.
On social welfare, the ANC committed to addressing the high cost of living, strengthening the social security system, and implementing a basic income grant. The party also promised to improve access to essential services like water, housing, and electricity for vulnerable communities.
The manifesto acknowledged past shortcomings of the ANC, including corruption allegations and service delivery failures. The party pledged to continue the fight against corruption, strengthen law enforcement, and enhance the integrity of public representatives.
Overall, the ANC’s 2024 election manifesto focused on continuity and consolidation of past achievements rather than radical policy changes. The party emphasized accountability, transparency, and ethical governance as core values in its renewal program. By aligning government policy with the manifesto’s objectives, the ANC aimed to demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling its promises and serving the people effectively.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
